Thursday, September 9, 2010

One Year Later....

It was a year ago this week that I entered the blogworld.

Well, sort of. This blog was around a little longer than that. But, it was just my online journal where I would write when I felt like it- which sometimes meant weeks or a month or two would go by between posts.

I didn't read other blogs, I didn't know about following- didn't have the follower gadget on mine. Didn't know about blog communities, memes, buttons, any of it. And what? You can do PR on your blog? No clue. I just typed faster than I could hand write and usually misplaced journals, so I just wrote on here, for me.

But, then, last August, I started reading some blogs. And thought, hmmm, look at the comments- what fun to actually have a conversation through a blog. Maybe I could try this.

So, on September 9th, 2009, I joined in my first meme. You can see that post HERE. Yes, it's totally Shell-esque.

Not having a clue and having so many people who were so helpful, teaching me how to do things on my blog and around the blog world. Offering help without me having to ask or jumping into help when I asked for help. I've been doing my best to pay this forward with other blog newbies.

And since then, I have met so many people. Found women that I relate to instantly. And some whom I've gotten to know over time. And some whom I only know a little bit, but who have touched my life through sharing their stories.

It goes beyond just blogs and into email conversations so long that gmail eventually starts the message over in a new one because it has exceeded their limit.

To tweeting, bbm'ing, texting.

Phone calls. Even though I hate the phone.

And meeting some of you in person.

Through this blog, I've met people who I know I can turn to when I need to vent, or cry, or sometimes even flat-out bitch when I need to. You offer me advice, agree with me on some things or help me to see the other side of an issue.

I feel like I have an online family. When I talk about you, I don't say "this girl whose blog I read," I say "my friend."

I never guessed any of this when I took that first hesitant step off my own little space and into the blogworld.

Never.

It's these friendships- ones that have been around for a while- like some of the girls who commented on that very first post and we still read each others' blogs- to ones that we have met along the way and formed a connection with- to ones that we have just met recently- we are celebrating these friendships(along with your IRL friends, too, of course) during Women's Friendship Month.

One of the Friends You Love girls, Kristen at Only Parent Chronicles, is having a Blogoversary Bash for her blog next Wednesday, September 15th. A twitter party from 9-10:30 EST. Sponsored by Eden Fantasys- there are SO many prizes that it has to be an hour and a half to get to all of them! You can RSVP HERE.

Very cool! You've done a lot in a year. As a "newbie", I'm still learning, but love blogging! It's an outlet that I didn't know I needed, but am so glad to have found. And I love reading your blog - I feel like we would be IRL friends!

Happy ANniversary. I did the same thing. Started the blog, but didn't really start psoting regularly until this past February. I can't believe the "friends" that I have made through blogging. My friends save my sanity on a daily basis. So glad we have met, my friend.

It's over a year for me, but I get ya. I totally feel that friendships in Blognia are real, and the ones we make as time goes on stick with us. I thank YOU for sharing a part of your world and yourself with us, out here, in the rest of it! :>

Happy Blogoversay!! I can't believe you have only been doing this for a year and you're already a pro...with over a thousand followers!! Congrats my friend!! (And yes, I'm a little green with jealousy right now!!)

It's amazing how quickly a year flies by, and how fast friends are formed in this forum! I am so glad to have met you, and had the pleasure of chatting with you everyday via bb messenger! You are a great friend Shellerific!

I have been at it for a year and a half now, and I feel like I have made some pretty amazing friends a long the way. You are so lucky to have met some IRL. And I am so glad I found your little corner in the blogging world!

Wow, just a year? Congrats! I would have sworn you have been doing this for awhile. That's fantastic! I have to say, you have been really great about dropping by little bitty blogs like mine, and making me feel special with your comment love. Happy Blogoversary!

Happy Birthday to Things I Can't Say! Shell, you are one of the best bloggers around. I know I've been very lax lately, but I feel like I've know you for so much longer! I know what you mean about learning so much. Our friends are so helpful. XOXO SSM

I just met you yesterday, but it kind of sort of looks like I'll be around for the long haul...thanks for stopping by, commenting on my story. It makes me feel so less alone....really it does. Which is why I blog also. The amazing women you can met, friendships you can form, and just being able to get shit off your chest without being judged. So, thanks again. :)

Congrats on your anniversary!! I also can't believe it's only been a year for you. The amount of comments you receive per post is a true testament of how far you've come. Best of luck to you and thank you for sharing your journey with us :) I hope to meet you too someday!

Love this post ... I"m glad I'm not the only one who was slow to figure out this whole blogging thing! I'm still trying to get my act together. So glad to have met you and so many other awesome mamas over the past year. You are one of my favs! ;0)

Ack, I'm so sorry I didn't comment on this yesterday!! Reading your blog and connecting with you has been one of the highlights of my blogging experience. I only launched my personal blog in February of this year, but have found so many amazing people because of it- and you top the list! Congratulations and I can't wait to see what the next year brings for you (and look forward to meeting you one of these days too!)

Hi Shell! I'm back and so very glad to be here in my beloved blog world. Your line about "When I talk about you, I don't say, 'this girl whose blog I read' I say 'my friend'" was so touching. I didn't even realize I did that too, until you mentioned it. I have made so many valuable friendships through this blog world. It is an amazing place to be and I feel privileged to be here. Congratulations on your anniversary.

I love that you don't say "this woman whose blog I read" because I say that sometimes when I'm feeling insecure because what I really want to say is, "Oh my gosh, my friend told the funniest story about her son, a fire hydrant and a pair of pliers!"